Brunch-themed cafe with dedicated play area makes splash north of Kalamazoo

MI Grounds Owner Rae Barlow demonstrates a wind tunnel in the Montessori-themed children's play area at her brunch-themed cafe at 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, Michigan on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

PLAINWELL, MI — Rae Barlow opened her brunch-themed, children’s play cafe north of Kalamazoo in late 2023 with one main intention.

“I like being able to provide an option to parents, caregivers and families that allows them to be able to enjoy themselves without having to choose if they are bringing kids along,” she said.

Barlow, a mother of two children, ages 3 and 5, has been enjoying developing MI Grounds, 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, by her own design.

A look inside MI Grounds, 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, Michigan on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The brunch-themed, children's play cafe features a dedicated Montessori-style play space and dining area for families.

“I’m not building with anybody else’s blueprint,” she said. “I’m going on intuition and creating structure from there, taking what I learn as I go and trying to adjust to what is going to make it sustainable for the long haul.”

If you enter through the back, on the right is a decent-sized, Montessori-styled play space, where children can indulge in creative play. The space holds upward of 10 kids with parent supervision, Barlow said.

MI Grounds owner Rae Barlow poses for a portrait at her brunch-themed, children's play cafe on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Plainwell, Michigan.

“I really think it’s important keeping this at a more connected level, so it’s more intimate and calm and not overwhelming or too stimulating,” Barlow said of limiting the space to 10.

To the left, a private dining area was designed with families in mind, allowing them to stay in close proximity to their kids and relax.

As you enter the main room of the cafe, it’s a more traditional setup with tables and chairs, a fireplace, comfortable leather chairs and a coffee bar.

Kids are welcome in the front area too, with board games and other toys available to keep them occupied or enjoy quality time with friends and family.

MI Grounds offers a dedicated Montessori-style play space and dining area for families in Plainwell, Michigan. The brunch-themed cafe is located at 124 E. Bridge St.

The menu, like everything else at MI Grounds was designed with a creative approach — something Barlow said separates it from other play cafes.

Fresh-baked cookies at MI Grounds, 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, Michigan on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Among the brunch favorites is the sunrise club bagel with fried egg, bacon, white cheddar, cream cheese, avocado mash, house pickled red onions and spinach for $13.

Another top seller is the chicken and goat panini, featuring rotisserie styled chicken, goat cheese, fresh tomato, spinach and pesto garlic aioli for $11.

MI Grounds offers a dedicated Montessori-style play space and dining area for families in Plainwell, Michigan. The brunch-themed cafe is located at 124 E. Bridge St.

The rotating homemade soups, priced at $5.50 for a cup and $7.50 for a bowl are also popular, Barlow said. With vegan and gluten free options always available, popular soups include the cream of mushroom and Barlow’s sweet potato southwest, which she describes as a Mexican vegetable soup.

A chicken and goat panini at MI Grounds, 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, Michigan, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

“We do a lot of different variations with a lot of bold favors, so the soup is really attractive here,” Barlow said.

On the coffee front, there’s lattes, espresso drinks and drip coffee. Barlow also has soft serve beverages and is looking to add smoothies back to her menu in the coming months.

And, of course, there’s kids meals, each with a juice and choice of yogurt or chips for just $7. Kids options include the mini brunch waffles, kids grilled cheese and ham and cheddar roll.

Sweets, such as the peanut butter and banana panini with cinnamon and honey drizzle and maple cinnamon oats, each at $5, are also hits.

Prior to opening her cafe, Barlow spent the better part of two decades working for her father, Rick Barlow, who owns Barlow Heating and Cooling in Plainwell. She also has a background working EMS and fighting fire.

An iced caramel vanilla latte at MI Grounds, 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, Michigan, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

A few restaurant gigs over the years; however, paved the way to her opening the cafe, which she operates on her own.

“I found myself within (those experiences) more than I could imagine,” she said. “What I love about it is the creative aspect. It just feels purposeful and fulfilling and it doesn’t feel like work.”

MI Grounds Owner Rae Barlow poses for a portrait outside her brunch-themed, children's play cafe at 124 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell, Michigan on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The cafe hosts monthly wellness experiences and is a regular participant in downtown community events. As the space continues to evolve, Barlow said she plans to expand both community and creative offerings.

For more information, visit migrounds.com, email [email protected] or call 269-204-6050. MI Grounds is open from 9 a.m. Tuesday through Friday with scheduled play sessions running daily from 9 a.m. until noon.

The cafe is currently closed Saturday through Monday but Barlow has plans to extend hours in the future. Play sessions cost $7 per child. Discounted punch cards are also available for multiple sessions.

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